CULLMAN, Ala. – The seventh annual Christmas at the Grotto will open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Ave Maria Grotto.
Ave Maria Grotto Director Roger Steele said when they launched Christmas at the Grotto seven years ago, the goal was to give visitors a chance to experience the world-famous art of Brother Joseph Zoettl in a special way during the Christmas season.
“It has become one of our most popular annual events and continues to grow each year,” said Steele, who explained the event started quite small. “We added color lights after year two, and then many accent pieces,” Steele said. “This year on Dec.13-14, we will have Johnny’s Bar-B-Q, Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides available for $5, and also live music will all be present at the Grotto.”
He said they are working on additional entries and exits and ways to make the experience smoother.
“Christmas at the Grotto is such an aesthetic experience,” Steele said. “It touches people in ways they are not used to. We want visitors to really enjoy their time while they are here.”
This year, attendees will be also able to enjoy an all-in-one experience at Christmas at the Grotto, Cullman Christkindlmarkt and the 23rd annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park. Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism; Cullman County Parks and Recreation; and the Ave Maria Grotto have joined forces to offer a free shuttle service attendees can use to move among these amazing Christmas destinations. Dates and times will be the same and shuttles will connect all three events. The free shuttle service will be available from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
“Working together with the Christkindlmarkt and Winter Wonderland makes it easier for guests to visit all three attractions and see the full range of what Cullman offers during the holidays. We are so excited for this partnership and everything the City of Cullman is doing.”
The Grotto will also host an art show for the public that will be used as a fundraising agent for preservation and creation of trees at the Grotto. It is stationed underneath the gift shop. Event organizer Allison Bohorfoush said the Grotto will host the art show until Jan. 1.
“The artists involved will receive a percentage and the Grotto will receive a percentage from the sale at the show,” Bohorfoush said. “All of the artists are from Alabama.”
Christmas at the Grotto
- Nov. 20-23, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-23 | 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday and noon-8 p.m., Sundays; lights on at 5 p.m.
- Admission: Adults $12 | Seniors $10 | Military/first responders $9 | Teens (13–17) $10 | Kids (5–12) $9 | Kids 4 and younger FREE | Wagon rides (Dec 13 and 14 only) $5.
- Don’t miss the Grotto’s BIG weekend Dec. 13 and 14! Live music, food trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa!
The Ave Maria Grotto is located at 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE in Cullman. Get more information at www.avemariagrotto.com.
